NW Ohio Times

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed Substitute House Bill 238 into law, as announced by bill sponsors State Representatives Sarah Fowler Arthur and Roy Klopfenstein. The bill marks the completion of the legislative Occupational Licensure Review for Ohio.

"We are cutting bureaucratic red tape and improving government efficiency one small step at a time!” said Fowler Arthur. “By eliminating obsolete licenses, reducing fees for others, and cutting red tape, we are lowering barriers to entering the workforce while maintaining high standards for health, safety, and consumer quality."

The review's main objectives include identifying outdated or unnecessary licenses, lowering financial burdens related to obtaining and maintaining licenses, making Ohio more attractive for professionals by reducing entry barriers, and ensuring health, safety, and consumer protection through reasonable licensing requirements.

"By streamlining processes and removing unnecessary barriers, we’re making it easier for Ohioans to start and grow their careers right here at home,” stated Klopfenstein. “With this legislation now signed into law, we’re proud to have worked collaboratively with agencies to ensure a balance between reducing red tape and maintaining standards that protect health, safety, and quality for all Ohioans."

The Occupational Licensure Review is designed to evaluate and reform Ohio's occupational licensing system. Its goal is to make sure that licensing requirements are necessary and efficient without creating undue barriers for workforce entrants. Substitute House Bill 238 includes recommendations from the Sunset Review Commission such as eliminating 33 obsolete boards and commissions.

The new law will take effect 90 days after being signed.